Takaful is not something new to the Islamic world. It has been going on for centuries, ever since the days of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and the early Caliphs.As we know that in those days there were ships and trade caravans and they used to be exposed to the same risks that we face today. Ships could be sunk, caravans could be raided or catch fire etc. Given these dangers to trading activity, the early pioneers of Takaful were wise enough to formulate a system of mutual protection so that the members of a particular caravan or trade delegation could be assured of recovery in case they suffered a loss due to unavoidable circumstances. Thus the members of these trading enterprises would enter into a formal pact stipulating that in case of loss to one party, the others would contribute to make up that loss.Risk is an undeniable fact of life. It enters into the equation the instant you start your life. And today that risk is greater than ever. In an environment that is as unpredictable as it is dynamic, you can no longer be certain that even a trip to the corner café will be safe.